Things to do in Saint-Emilion

Things to do in  Saint-Emilion

Grape expectations

One of the most-visited wine villages in Bordeaux’s Right Bank, Saint-Émilion has been a popular destination for oenophiles for centuries, if not millennia. Grapes have been cultivated here since Roman times, and the region’s heritage earned it UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1999. Today, Saint-Émilion is known for its Merlot-based blends, and its top-rated Grand Crus can go for hundreds of dollars a bottle, if not more. Visiting wineries for tastings tops the things-to-do list, as does wandering the charming village and spying landmarks like the Monolithic Church (and its lofty bell tower).

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Top activities in Saint-Emilion

Bordeaux Shore Excursion: Private Bordeaux and St-Emilion Tour

Bordeaux Shore Excursion: Private Bordeaux and St-Emilion Tour

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Saint Emilion Walking Tour

Saint Emilion Walking Tour

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$318.09
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Château LA CROIZILLE Grand Cru Classé: Visit & Tasting

Château LA CROIZILLE Grand Cru Classé: Visit & Tasting

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$19.74
Château LA CROIZILLE Grand Cru Classé: Gourmet Tour

Château LA CROIZILLE Grand Cru Classé: Gourmet Tour

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$38.39
Château LA CROIZILLE Grand Cru Classé: Picnic & Visit

Château LA CROIZILLE Grand Cru Classé: Picnic & Visit

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$52.65
Local Guide - Wine expert - Private Tour

Local Guide - Wine expert - Private Tour

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$888.46
per group
Saint Emilion Private e-Bike Winery Tour with Picnic Lunch

Saint Emilion Private e-Bike Winery Tour with Picnic Lunch

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$301.64
Visit and Tasting Château Saint-Georges Cote Pavie, Grand Cru Classé

Visit and Tasting Château Saint-Georges Cote Pavie, Grand Cru Classé

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$19.74
Saint Emilion Half Day Ebike and Wine Tour with Picnic Dinner
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Saint Emilion Half Day Ebike and Wine Tour with Picnic Dinner

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$126.14
Visit to Château Yon-Figeac in Gironde with Tasting

Visit to Château Yon-Figeac in Gironde with Tasting

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$13.16
From Saint-Emilion : Half Day Electric bike Wine Tour

From Saint-Emilion : Half Day Electric bike Wine Tour

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$112.98
Private ride in the vineyards and wine tasting from Saint-Emilion

Private ride in the vineyards and wine tasting from Saint-Emilion

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$137.11
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Wine course in Saint-Emilion followed by a tasting

Wine course in Saint-Emilion followed by a tasting

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$274.22
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Saint-Émilion Wine Tour By Electric Bike, Lunch Included

Saint-Émilion Wine Tour By Electric Bike, Lunch Included

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$174.40
The Best Of Saint-Emilion : City Highlights walking tour

The Best Of Saint-Emilion : City Highlights walking tour

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$213.89
per group
Group Tour - Saint Emilion walking tour + Tasting in Cave

Group Tour - Saint Emilion walking tour + Tasting in Cave

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$31.81
Saint-Emilion and Vineyard Walk with Wine Tasting

Saint-Emilion and Vineyard Walk with Wine Tasting

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$21.94
St Emilion Outdoor Escape Game in the Footsteps of Isaac Newton

St Emilion Outdoor Escape Game in the Footsteps of Isaac Newton

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$10.96
Saint-Émilion by bike Gravel: picnic and wine tasting
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Saint-Émilion by bike Gravel: picnic and wine tasting

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$131.62
$164.53  $32.91 savings
1-Day Private Wine Tour in ST-Émilion cellar circuit

1-Day Private Wine Tour in ST-Émilion cellar circuit

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$197.44
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All about Saint-Emilion

When to visit

Saint-Émilion is one of France’s top wine destinations, and every summer this UNESCO-listed village is packed with tourists looking to soak up the sun and sip world-class wine. For a calmer experience (and to avoid August, when many smaller producers close for the summer holidays) it’s worth coming in May or June—just be sure to avoid timing your visit with the annual Vinexpo event in Bordeaux, which many producers attend.

Getting around

The regional Saint-Émilion Station (Gare de Saint-Émilion) connects the village to Bordeaux, while several bus routes run between Saint-Émilion and nearby hubs including Libourne, as well as surrounding villages. Saint-Émilion itself is very compact, and its cobbled center is best explored on foot. A taxi or rental car can be used to visit the surrounding wineries, though guided tours remove the hassle of choosing a designated driver.

Traveler tips

If you want to go for tours and tastings at Saint-Émilion’s top wineries, it’s wise to do some preplanning. Unlike at many American wineries, Saint-Émilion wineries are not always open to walk-ins, and you’ll need to make an appointment in advance of your visit. However, the Saint-Émilion tourist office will post a short list of wineries that are open to visitors without reservations each day. Alternatively, book a guided tour to leave the logistics to a local expert.

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People Also Ask

Where is Saint-Emilion?

Saint-Emilion is near Bordeaux, in South West France. (It takes under an hour to drive here from Bordeaux.) Only six percent of Bordeaux wine is grown here, but it’s one of the most famous wine appellations in the world. The village itself is so picturesque that it has gained UNESCO World Heritage status.

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What kind of wine is Saint-Emilion?

The main grapes used in Saint-Emilion wine are merlot and cabernet franc. They make wines that pair well with rich flavors and hearty French dishes, like beef, duck, and hard cheeses such as Comte. Saint-Emilion has 12 appellations and is predominantly known for red wine, although some producers make white wine, too.

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Is Saint-Emilion worth visiting?

Yes. Saint-Emilion is one of the best day trips that you can take from Bordeaux, particularly if you’re passionate about wine. The easiest way to visit is as part of a guided tour—not least because leaving the car at home means you can sample all of the delicious vintages.

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What is there to do in Saint-Emilion?

The main attraction in Saint-Emilion is going wine tasting. It’s worth setting aside time to take a guided tour of each wine estate and visit the vineyards, too. This way you’ll gain a better understanding of the grape-to-glass process before sampling the fine crus. Take the time to wander the streets of the town and admire the monolithic churches, as well.

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How many grand crus are there in Saint-Emilion?

Saint-Emilion has 71 grand crus and 12 appellations. Needless to say, you can’t sample all of that in one sitting! The most famous winery is Château Coutet Saint-Emilion, an organic vineyard that has won numerous awards over the years. It has belonged to the same family since the 17th century.

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When should I visit Saint-Emilion?

There’s no bad time to visit Saint-Emilion, but the best time is in either spring or autumn. You’ll see the vines at their most colorful—a verdant green in spring or flame-hued in the autumn. If visiting in late August or September, you may coincide with the wine harvest, when young people from all over Europe come to pick grapes.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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